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Mistress of Rome (Rome #1)

by Kate Quinn (Goodreads Author)

4.06 of 5 stars 4.06 · rating details · 4,699 ratings · 639 reviews

An exciting debut: a vivid, richly imagined saga of ancient Rome from a masterful new voice in historical fiction
Thea is a slave girl from Judaea, passionate, musical, and guarded. Purchased as a toy for the spiteful heiress Lepida Pollia, Thea will become her mistress's rival for the love of Arius the Barbarian, Rome's newest and most savage gladiator. His love brings T...more

ebook, 480 pages

Published April 6th 2010 by Berkley (first published January 1st 2010)

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Mar 30, 2013 Parvathy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: historical literature, spartacaus fans,gladiators

Recommended to Parvathy by: goodreads

Shelves: historicals, glued-till-the-last-page, living-vicariously, romeos-and-juliets

The first time I realized I loved reading was when I was eight and had just finished reading The Vicar of Wakefield. I still remember the feeling I had when I clutched the book in my hand and declared I loved reading. It was not because the particular book in question was extraordinary, regardless of its status as a classic, but it was the first time a book has completely captured my attention that everything else seemed pale in comparison. Completely transported me to another time. I have read...more The first time I realized I loved reading was when I was eight and had just finished reading The Vicar of Wakefield. I still remember the feeling I had when I clutched the book in my hand and declared I loved reading. It was not because the particular book in question was extraordinary, regardless of its status as a classic, but it was the first time a book has completely captured my attention that everything else seemed pale in comparison. Completely transported me to another time. I have read a number of books after this one and loved a number of them immensely but it was not until I read Mistress of Rome that the same feeling captured me again. I was looking for a book in the historical literature recommendation section for my mother and by chance I caught her exclaiming that this one looks like a promising read. I didn't give much heed to this book at the time but checked out the book for my mother's sake. Before I knew it I was reading this book before my mom and was so entranced by the story that I forgot the fact that I was not planning on reading it in the first place. But these spontaneous spur of the moment decision yields the most surprising results as I am convinced that this book is a rare gem I would have missed otherwise. The story transports us to an era and place which is well known yet shrouded in mystery. It takes us to ancient Rome and tells us the story of a Jewish slave girl called Thea. Her abuses at the hands of her ever spiteful and jealous mistress Lepida Pollia. Her true love for the gladiator Arius the Barbarian. The way she deals with the every twist and turns the fates throw at her. Then her rise as she become the mistress of Roman Emperor Domnitian and there by the mistress of Rome. It was truly a remarkable read. It goes without saying that I liked Thea's character but I loved Arius the Barbarian. The way he fought to keep his demons passive. His fighting in the Arena, his love for Thea and above all his strength to stand against an empire bend on seeing his death. The love story between this two survivors is heart wrenching and it draws you in with its simplistic charm. The life of the Roman people portrayed in this book are not far fetched or unbelieving. Every twist had a possible feel to it. The best part of the book though were those parts narrated from the point of view of Lepida. Now there is a character that will stay in your memory for a very long time. Evil in form of a person or more conveniently Evil personified as a female owing to Emperor Domitian who is a strong contender for that former post. But while the emperor's evilness can be accounted for in his insanity Lepida's was from deep with in her soul. I loved reading about her little schemes and they way she manipulated the people around her for her means. Her spoiled and self absorbed narration made me wish for her downfall so badly that it became a big reason for my preoccupation with this book. Towards the end I was so tensed that I even thought of skipping a couple of pages ahead to learn the outcome before hand but was able to restrain my self as the story moved on in a fast paced and I didn't want to spoil the surprise. A huge applause has to be given to the author for coming up with a breath taking climax which left me without any more nails to sacrifice. But fair warning is to be given as this book is not for the light hearted. There are parts of the book that can make you feel squeamish. The historical notes at the end was highly informative and left me in a state of awe for all those authors who piece such stories together to create entirely interesting stories of their own. I am not exactly sure that this book should be curbed to the title of historical literature alone. There were a lot of historical elements in the book but it never goes in to much details in this regard. The historical wars and conquests are explained and lengthy descriptions are given for the Colosseum battles of the gladiators. But a wealth of information is not achieved from this book about that particular time period. Regardless this book is worth a read and definitely a keeper. (less)

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Jun 02, 2012 Beatrix rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, strong-females, read-in-2012, cultural, favorites

I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I took it because I didn’t know what to read next. I thought it will be some shallow romance story, but I was wrong. This book is great! It has everything: interesting plot (constantly something happens, this book is full of events, the plot doesn’t drag on), great characters (I loved narration from different point of views here, you get to know whole palette of amazing characters) and quality – it’s very important that the book is well written and h...more

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Jun 30, 2010 Abby Lyn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I picked up this book based on the cover recommendations of authors including Diana Gabaldon and Margaret George, and was not disappointed. This is a fun, enthralling romp through ancient Rome. I would classify this as more of a guilty-pleasure page-turner rather than literary as George suggests, but that is what makes it a great summer read. I would have preferred the author kept to either third or first person rather than alternating back and forth, and the dialogue was a bit modern American f...more

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Aug 17, 2010 Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Its very rare that I give a book a 5 star rating ,but this book deserves it.This book from the start drew me into the story & the characters and wouldnt let go...I would put the book aside to slow down as I didnt want it to come to the end..and yet I kept picking it back up..and it kept drawing me back into Thea's & Arius lives & story.
The author writes in the first person for some of the characters which may seem confusing to some at first. But you get to know each person in their p...more

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May 06, 2010 Amber rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I bought this on a whim. I didn't read the back, I didn't read any reviews, I certainly didn't read the page of critic's praise just inside the cover. Every time I've gone on these indicators lately, I've been incredibly disappointed. So, I bought this one based on--GASP!--the cover!

I was skeptical as the first several pages are describing a self-harming ritual of one of the main characters. I was even a little disgusted by such a transparent hook, but I found that I couldn't put the book down....more
I bought this on a whim. I didn't read the back, I didn't read any reviews, I certainly didn't read the page of critic's praise just inside the cover. Every time I've gone on these indicators lately, I've been incredibly disappointed. So, I bought this one based on--GASP!--the cover!

I was skeptical as the first several pages are describing a self-harming ritual of one of the main characters. I was even a little disgusted by such a transparent hook, but I found that I couldn't put the book down. In fact, I felt that way throughout the entire reading. Horrified, disgusted, and utterly unable to stop. In fact, I read the entire thing in one sitting.

Though I found some of the "shocking" plot twists a tad contrived and very, very predictable, it was sort of comforting to know that the author wasn't trying to make the book more than the plot could handle. It began, moved along, and ended exactly the way you would think a book about the Mistress(es) of a crazed Roman Emperor should.

The book basically follows the three mistresses of Emperor Domitian, a suspicious, violent man. The first of these women is the Emperor's own niece, Julia, who's tragic story begins when she's turned down by the Vestals and ends with her violent death. The second is Thea, a Jewish slave who iseventually trained as a musician. She is set up from the beginning as a direct rival to her owner, Lepida Pollia, a beautiful and spoiled heiress with a very dark side. Their rivalry begins when an up-and-coming gladiator known as Arius the Barbarian chooses Thea over Lepida, leading Lepida to sell Thea into prostitution. This sets off a series of events which fuel the hatred between the two women as Thea (now known as Athena) gains fame as a singer and Lepida becomes the wife of a well respected Senator. When Thea catches the eye of the Emperor, whom Lepida had hoped to call her own, it sparks a descent into violence and madness for both women.

I can't say, even now, that I liked it. The characters and subject matter were too dark to like, but I can say that it is compelling. I couldn't put it down and that's all I can really ask for.

(less)

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Mar 18, 2012 Zee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review contains no spoilers.

This could be one of the most interesting (Western) historical fiction I have ever read.

This book was set in the Flavian Dynasty of Rome. Some characters were fictional, some were not. The story spanned over a decade within the boundary of approximately 450 pages (without cramping of words). It revolved around a few characters: Emperor (Titus Flavius Domitianus), Thea (the Jewish slave), Lepida Pollia (mistress of Thea), Arius (gladiator), Marcus Norbanus (Sena...more This review contains no spoilers.

This could be one of the most interesting (Western) historical fiction I have ever read.

This book was set in the Flavian Dynasty of Rome. Some characters were fictional, some were not. The story spanned over a decade within the boundary of approximately 450 pages (without cramping of words). It revolved around a few characters: Emperor (Titus Flavius Domitianus), Thea (the Jewish slave), Lepida Pollia (mistress of Thea), Arius (gladiator), Marcus Norbanus (Senator). The development might be perceived as slow to some, but the build-up was pertinent for the story, as each year unfold. I do not like the frequent usage of first-hand narration/monologues of a central character's thoughts and whims, and this novel didn't rely much of that to tell the story. Thankfully.

Being the first ever historical fiction based in Rome that I read, I found it a challenge to imagine the characters walking around in tunics (men and women alike), instead of the usual gowns, robe, and capes. Also, instead of seeing monarchical hierarchies of earls, counts, kings, queens, viscounts, guards, you will see emperor, empress, domina, senator, domina, praetorian.. but it wasn't hard to make association to the English counterparts. On hindsight it was pretty funny that I had to "adjust" my visuals of the story from that of an English setting to that of a Rome setting's. Thankfully I had set foot in the Colosseum just last summer - it helped me in creating the visuals of the unmerciful killing place. I couldn't have imagined the dank, coolness of the Colosseum's interior better had I not been there. Its true - even on a hot summer day, the vacant spaces of Colosseum's interior was dank and dark, almost chilly.

Speaking of which - It was kind of difficult for me to stomach the parts on the gladiatorial games in the Colosseum initially. Not because the author wrote it with explicit gore, but because the idea of man killing man and man killing beasts for the sake of providing entertainment made me sick. The amorality of the history could turn some readers off like it almost did to me, but curiosity got the better of me and I forced myself to skim through those dreadful parts.

The constant, as with all historical stories, are the pearls, jewels, and other fine adornments. No royalty, be it Roman or Brits, could do without such accessorizing.

Overall, the novel was a worthy read. A blend of romance, decade-long catfight balanced out with intellectual exchanges, some thrill and mystery, it promises a good prequel and sequel. The former ("Daughters of Rome") had been published, and the latter ("Empress of the Seven Hills") is set to be released this coming April. (less)

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 06, 2012 Carolynn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own, historical-fiction, 2012

I read this in four days and really enjoyed it: it's a story of rival women in the reign of Domitian and of course one is a slave and one a patrician, but along the way to its bloody and satisfying, though far fetched and slightly corny, denouement it takes in the political, military, social, and religious background of Flavian Rome. It's sort of 'Gladiator' meets 'I, Claudius' via 'First Ladies of Rome'. Some liberties have been taken filling in gaps in the historical record but the author poin...more

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 23, 2010 Kristen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

This was probably my favorite book of the summer. I loved everything about it. The setting, the characters, the story…when I got to the last 150 pages, I literally tore through it waking up too early and going to bed too late trying to see what was going to happen.

4 likes · like · see review

Jun 15, 2012 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ancient-historical-fiction, historical-fiction, all-time-favorites

Wonderful! Kate Quinn hit it just right with her debut novel, clearing the way for subsequent success. I know that some readers have complained that the romance between Thea and Arius was too much in the spotlight or that it detracted from the story as a whole, but I do not agree. The relationship played a key role in how the plot was resolved. True, it was the focus of the first part of the book, but I think that it was important for readers to have the depth of emotion made apparent early on s...more

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Feb 04, 2012 Natalie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

Set in Rome in A.D. 81 to 96, Mistress of Rome is about gaining power and influence and how love can get you through anything. Thea, a Jewish slave, is put through hell many times over. Her mistress (owner), Lepida Pollia, is such a conniving evil bitch, you would love nothing more than to strangle her. Arius the Barbarian, Thea's love, is the most popular and successful gladiator in an age, but he doesn't hear the crowds. Emperor Domitian is a very good Emperor and administrator but he is paran...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Angie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult

Romance, betrayal, games (physical and emotional), war, deceit, just about a little of everything! Mistress of Rome follows the overlapping lives of several characters. Thea is a slave in love with a gladiator, Aruis. Lepida is her mistress who's determined to reach the top of Roman society. Paulinus is the senator's son, Lepida's stepson, and Thea's former lover. Julia, the emperor's ill niece. All of their lives entwine into one exciting story.

Oddly, my favorite character was Lady Lepida. She...more

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Jul 06, 2010 Sian rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

One of the best I have read this year. This book has a bit of everything. Love, betrayal, death...
This book follows the story of Thea and Arius and yes theirs is a love story but this book isnt just a love story. He is a gladiator, she is a slave and this means that their relationship is doomed from the start. But it doesnt just cover their relationship and how they lose each other. The book has a whole host on secondary characters, all of whom were really interesting, not very likeable but defi...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jun 24, 2012 Giulia~Bubbles rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

This author definitely caught my attention with her ability to tell a fast paced but richly detailed story and her characters that are multi layered and alive. I loved Arius' character and Thea was very brave throughout the novel--a perfect match for a gladiator.

I would love to hear more about Sabina and Vix; hopefully there is another novel by this author about these characters. Now that Arius and Thea's story has ended happily it'd be nice to know what the future holds for these characters.

A...more

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Apr 26, 2012 Jen Zolper rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

I loved this book. Ancient Rome is always fascinating, but the plot twists and turns combined with well developed, engaging characters bumped Mistress of Rome up to 5 stars for me. The cover and title made me think that the story would be pretty chick lit-esque, but that impression was quickly dispelled with bloody and gory gladiator scenes, complex political intrigues and the varying points of view from several narrating voices. I also enjoyed how Kate Quinn incorporated a sense of reality to t...more

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Aug 20, 2012 Hannah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The first book in the series features main characters Thea and Arius, a slave and a gladiator who fall in love. While unfortunate circumstances rip them apart, they are reunited due to fact that they are the only two people in the empire who don’t fear the all-powerful Emperor Domitian. Domitian was probably my favourite character due to being so interesting and full of surprises (besides, I’ve always had a thing for villains). The author paints you into the life of Rome, the sights; the smells;...more

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Feb 09, 2011 Annie Tran rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

This is historical fiction at its best! Kate Quinn is this fantastic story teller who weaves these characters lives together w/ one hell of an emotional thread. This book has it all – love, action, romance, suspense, drama, thrills and humor. At times, the story gets a little gruesome and gory, but I don’t think you could tell a great Roman story and not include the reality of their bloody history and the cruelty of ancient man.

The cast of characters Kate created is amazing. All the personalitie...more

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Sep 07, 2012 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

I loved this book! I bought it because I was going on holiday to Rome and thought it would make a good plane read to get me in the mood for my holiday! I immediately got sucked into the story and came to know the characters so well. It was a definite page turner, Kate sets the scenes of the brutal gladiatorial battles and ancient Rome perfectly - as I was walking around the Colosseum and the old ruins of Rome during my trip away I could imagine the scenes which she wrote about in the book. It ha...more

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Feb 02, 2013 J.H. Walker rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, historical-fiction

Thea is a slave girl who falls in love with a gladiator. And not just any gladiator. He's the rock star/athlete of the day. That means that the rich and powerful women want him. Women who are used to getting anything they want and simply eliminating anyone in their way. This is a good read, engaging and intensely emotional. It will pull you in and keep you enthralled till the last page.

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Nov 30, 2010 Summer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a beguiling and brutal book about Rome-life, both in the Imperial court and the slave underground & often about how they collide. The setting is the turning of the B.C. into the A.D. +/-90 years.

I enjoyed the book but it is violently graphic, giving you a clear picture of what it was like to be a Gladiator or a pleb in the crowd watching daily executions. It was pleasant that the author let you look up the Roman vocabulary and did not waste time going into describing it. It was a fa...more

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Dec 25, 2012 Leah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2-012-in-2012, favorites, historical-romance

This book was fantastic! It made me want to shout in anger or frustration at one point, and laugh moments later... or vise-versa. Events were creative but realistic, and cleverly strung together, keeping me reading into the early hours of the morning. The ending was very satisfying and the historical note was a nice touch - a good way to wrap things up.

I've added this book to my list of favorites and am looking forward to reading Daughters of Rome next!

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Jan 07, 2011 Isabella.Chloe .S. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Run down of the book:
Orphan slave girl Thea had long since forgotten the qualities of love and compassion instead she has learnt the bitter morals of the high society of Romans. Forced to conform to her masters rules and obey every her command, she quickly learns the steps to survival in a brutal and dried up Rome.
With no knowledge of anything other than hatred and treachery Thea finds herself drawn to a Violent, brutal and passionate Gladiator known to her as Arius and to the public as The Bar...more Run down of the book:
Orphan slave girl Thea had long since forgotten the qualities of love and compassion instead she has learnt the bitter morals of the high society of Romans. Forced to conform to her masters rules and obey every her command, she quickly learns the steps to survival in a brutal and dried up Rome.
With no knowledge of anything other than hatred and treachery Thea finds herself drawn to a Violent, brutal and passionate Gladiator known to her as Arius and to the public as The Barbarian. Together they remind each other of a emotion that was once know to them... Happiness. They had finally found the missing part to each others hearts, when Thea is sold to a Brothel owner miles down the coast of Rome. Years later a young a talented singer named Athen and her Burly son surfaces and catches the eye of the Emperor of Rome. When neither Arius nor Thea know that the other is still alive and breathing there is little hope that they will find each other again.
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My thoughts:
When i was done reading this book and ill be honest it didn't take long to read i was heartbroken to turn the last page, Quinn had gotten me so caught up in the characters and there perils and fortunes that leaving then flat inside the book felt impossible. She did wonders with the point of view changes and only had me confused a few times( the only problem with the book, but keep in mind it is her first novel) Getting to know each character was the best part of this book as it started straight away i felt a great connection with Thea and was very sympathetic towards her. Arius was a wonderful character to get to know as he is so challenged by his position in the Roman world.He is very dark and at time seen as a emotionless brute but as the novel develops(and it develops quite fast) we see that Arius like most males has trouble expressing himself and does so by loving Thea with all his heart and soul. Lepida.. well she was a joy to follow because she is the character you love to hate and you do hate her no matter what! she is a treacherous little B!tch. Quinn was fantastic when describing her and when writing from her point of view, Lepida is a woman to watch out for and will never be forgotten by the reader.
A must read for all historical fiction lovers and readers who enjoy a little love story.(less)

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Jun 26, 2010 Blair rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical

While I liked this book a lot, I'm surprised so many reviewers have described it as literary... For me, it was a trashy potboiler, a definite guilty pleasure - albeit a very well-researched one with lots of enjoyable historical detail and exciting action. The vivid depiction of everyday goings-on in ancient Rome brings the period and settings to life in a way the modern reader can easily relate to; I can see this book being turned into a film or TV miniseries, in fact I wouldn't be at all surpri...more

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May 06, 2011 Jenny Q rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: tour-of-italy, my-favorite-reads, best-of-2011, historical-fiction-faves

4.5 Stars. Wow, what a story! I was under its spell from the very first page, and I could not put it down, mainly because I was instantly drawn to the lead characters, Arius and Thea. They are both slaves, subject to the whims of the Roman aristocracy. They are both fighting to survive: Arius in the arena, and Thea in the service of her truly awful mistress, Lepida. I loved them both, but my heart really went out to Thea. This was my first experience with a character who cuts herself, and I was...more 4.5 Stars. Wow, what a story! I was under its spell from the very first page, and I could not put it down, mainly because I was instantly drawn to the lead characters, Arius and Thea. They are both slaves, subject to the whims of the Roman aristocracy. They are both fighting to survive: Arius in the arena, and Thea in the service of her truly awful mistress, Lepida. I loved them both, but my heart really went out to Thea. This was my first experience with a character who cuts herself, and I was surprised to find it in a historical novel. I thought this aspect of Thea was very well written, and made a lot of sense given her history. Thea is so calm and collected, making the best of every rotten twist life throws at her, and cutting herself is the only way Thea knows how to release her anger, guilt, and disappointment. Until she meets Arius...

Arius is a wonderful character, too. Noble, honorable, and brave, but filled with seething hatred for himself and the Romans who come to watch him fight, and Emperor Domitian in particular. He's fighting dark demons, too, until he meets Thea, and discovers a new reason for living. Their love story is so simple and sweet, yet it spans a dozen years of misfortune, separation, and tragedy. As Arius continues to fight, he reluctantly becomes the darling of the arena, feeding the greedy Romans' hunger for bloodsport by day, and drinking himself into oblivion by night, all the while mocking them, disrespecting them, and making an enemy of the Emperor. Meanwhile Thea, though still a slave, finds her star rising, too, as a songbird in demand among the aristocracy. Capturing the attention of Domitian would seem like a dream come true, but it turns out to be the ultimate nightmare, and Thea finds herself fighting to survive once again. Will she make it out alive? Will she ever meet Arius again? And if she does, what will happen when he discovers the love of his life is the mistress of his greatest enemy? Well I'm not telling--you'll have to read the book to find out!

Overall, I thought this book was awesome! I've already told you how much I loved Thea and Arius, but there's also a great cast of supporting characters, and combined with a background of excellent historical detail, the city of Rome and the vices of its citizens really come to life, and become characters in themselves. My complaints are few, and the main one being that I never figured out why Lepida was so downright nasty and spiteful. I couldn't find any real motivation for her behavior, and she came across as being very one-dimensional--the convenient big, bad villain. But boy, oh boy, I hated her and couldn't wait to see her get what was coming to her!

This story is not for the faint of heart, but neither was first-century Rome, and based on other books I've read, I don't think anything Ms. Quinn has included is far-fetched or unbelievable. This book has a killer ending--those final scenes were nail-biting, gut-wrenching thrillers, and I was kept guessing until the very last page. In her author's note Ms. Quinn reveals that she will be writing a follow-up book concentrating on two of the supporting characters, and I will be the first person in line to buy it! This one has earned its spot on my keeper shelf.(less)

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Sep 24, 2010 Cathy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was torn between 2 and 3stars on this one. I am not a history snob where every fact must be checked and verified. But major themes must be based on fact. I find it hard to believe that many slaves were into self mutilation. And I do know that historians now believe that most gladiator matches were NOT to the death. It would have been a financial nightmare for any lanista if after months/years of training one were to lose a top player. I feel the book lacked historical context. I could be readi...more

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Jan 27, 2012 Denise rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

Set in ancient Rome during the reign of Emperor Domitian who was an excellent legion commander and bureaucratic administrator but a sadistic and insane ruler. The story of two women--one a Roman Senator's wife (Lepida)and the other her slave (Thea/Athena/Leah). How can a surviving Masada Jewess and a worn-out gladiator create a life for themselves when she is the property of Domitian and he is living in disguise? And Lepida will stop at nothing to take her former slave's place as Domitian's mist...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 06, 2011 Leea rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

I could not put this book down, fast paced, moving characters, passion and to the bitter end you are left wondering what the future holds for some of the Children. This is a wonderful first book for Kate Quinn and i will read whatever she puts out next. It's a page turner!!

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 29, 2012 Babel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: challenge

La concubina de Roma es una novela de ficción histórica que la pluma emotiva, dramática y amorosa de KATE QUINN convierte en un desfile por las calles de la Historia más vívida.

Patricios y plebeyos se reúnen para celebrar el derramamiento de sangre en unos juegos que destruirán a cientos de bestias para dar placer a los morbosos. Luego viene el turno de los gladiadores. Guerreros arrancados a la libertad para rendir tributo al emperador Domiciano, a la sed de barbarie de un pueblo sin opciones y...more

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Sep 16, 2011 Lidia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Beautifully written... 4.5 stars.
Quinn has a real talent for story-telling. As far as historical fiction novels go, ancient Rome is one of the most interesting and elusive time periods and it's painted so vividly in this book. Quinn introduces and refines the intricacies of this story so that seemingly unconnected subplots stream together and diverge again. It took a bit to get used to her style; she jumps quickly and abruptly between character vantage points. But to the reader this becomes a ne...more

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Feb 19, 2013 Marisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, good-reads, good-awesome-likeable-heroines, hero-s-that-i-love, pretty-book-cover

I remember finding this book. It was so random. I was just a theft store where all the books are (Cause that's were the best books are) and I saw it. The title just hooked me and I didn't care what it was about, I bought and I remember going home and reading chapter one and next thing I knew, I was five chapters in.

It took my only three days to finish this book cause that's how amazing it was. Kate Quinn made this book into something that someone wants to read into finish cause it's a page turn...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 26, 2012 Joyce rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: history-historical-fiction, romance, young-adult, humorous-comedy, memoir-biography-autobiography

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

1 like · like · see review

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Round Lake Librar...: Mistress of Rome!	13	13	Apr 30, 2013 03:16am
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Romance Readers R...: June PIFM Buddy Read: Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn	31	32	Jun 12, 2012 07:03am

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Romance

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Historical Fiction

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Romance > Historical Romance

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Cultural > Italy

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Womens Fiction > Chick Lit

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Roman

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Drama

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Literature > Ancient

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About Kate Quinn

Kate Quinn is a native of southern California. She attended Boston University, where she earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Classical Voice. A lifelong history buff, she first got hooked on ancient Rome while watching "I, Claudius" at the age of seven. She wrote her first book during her freshman year in college, retreating from a Boston winter into ancient Rome, and it was later published...more

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Quotes from Mistress of Rome

“I love you. I love the way you rub the scar on the back of your hand when you're nervous. I love the way you make a sword into a living part of your body. I love the way you burn your eyes into me, as if you're seeing me fresh every time. I love the black streak in you that wants to kill the world, and the soft streak that is sorry afterward. I love the way you laugh, as if you're surprised that you can laugh at all. I love the way you kiss my breath away. I love the way you breathe and speak and smile. I love the way you take the air out of my lungs when you hold me. I love the way you make a dance out of death. I love the confusion I see in your eyes when you realize you are happy. I love every muscle and bone in your body, every twist and bend in your soul.” — 77 people liked it

“Have you ever been - well, i mean, have you ever - really wanted someone ? Wanted them like water in the desert - even when you knew all their faults, every single one - and it didnt matter ?” — 28 people liked it

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Mistress of Rome (Rome #1)

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